The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, has reassured the public that his noticeable weight loss is intentional and not linked to any illness, using the moment to promote awareness about healthy lifestyles.
In a message shared on his X account on Sunday, the minister addressed concerns from well-wishers who had sent him messages wishing him a quick recovery.
“So dear friends sending me messages of ‘quick recovery’ (especially those doing so out of love, not mockery), please take heart, I am not sick. My new looks are intentional,” he wrote.
Minister Tumwebaze expressed gratitude for life and good health, emphasizing that his transformation is the result of deliberate efforts rather than a medical condition.
“It’s well with me and I thank God for all his blessings, especially the gift of life,” he added.
The minister used the opportunity to raise concern among health professionals, including nutritionists, epidemiologists, and public health advocates, about widespread misconceptions surrounding body weight and health.
He warned that the fight against non-communicable diseases is still ongoing and highlighted a common but misleading belief—that being overweight is a sign of good health, while being slim suggests illness.
“The dominant but mistaken thinking that being heavy, overweight, and obese equals being healthy, and on the other hand being slim equals being unhealthy, is a serious cause for alarm,” he noted.
Tumwebaze stressed that a lean body can be a sign of strength and discipline, especially when weight loss is achieved intentionally through proper diet, increased physical activity, and lifestyle changes.
He explained that weight loss should only raise concern when it is unintentional or linked to underlying health conditions. However, when it is planned and managed, it represents a positive health outcome worth celebrating.
“Looking lean may worry some who are not used to a person’s new appearance, but it is all okay,” he said, adding that obesity should not be viewed as a badge of honour.
